From the Pen of Barbara Strozzi:
Vocal Music of the Italian Baroque

One of the most famous singers of 17th century Venice, Barbara Strozzi (1619-c.1664) was equally renowned as a composer. She was born to a domestic servant, and was raised in the home of her adoptive father, the dramatist, librettist and poet, Giulio Strozzi. He encouraged her participation within a private academy of the intelligentsia, previously the exclusive domain of men. In this intellectually rich environment, Barbara received her musical education.

Barbara's composition was as important a part of her musical life as her vocal skills. The music of the early 17th century was already marked by innovation and experimentation, and she was clearly influenced by two leading composers of the time, Monteverdi and Cavalli.

But she developed her own distinct compositional style -- in part because of her experience as a virtuosic singer -- surprising the listener with flirtatious gestures, and using bold chromatic lines and long florid runs as expressive devices.

The exquisite music of Barbara Strozzi embodies her distinctive expression of sensuality. Urban Sky Consort's program features sacred and secular works spanning her entire career, from dramatic solos to vivacious duets and trios.

House Concert
Private Squirrel Hill home: limited seating
Saturday, May 15, 1998   8:00 p.m.
Reservations required: call 412/247-4853

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church
5801 Hampton Street, Highland Park
Saturday, May 22, 1999   8:00 p.m.

Sixth Presbyterian Church
Forbes & Murray Avenues, Squirrel Hill
Sunday, May 23, 1999   4:00 p.m.

Suggested donation: $5

For more information, call 412/247-4853

Urban Sky Consort: the ensemble and its members

Urban Sky Consort: favorite links

For further information, contact Susan Blackman or Joanne Scheier.


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Pittsburgh, PA 15206
412/661-6837

--- Susan Blackman, Site Manager